Alice, of Old Park Lane, High Park, who started working on the taxi rank phones 20 years ago, celebrated her birthday on Tuesday.

Staff bought Alice, who was born and has lived on Sidney Road in High Park for 70 years, a Swarovski crystal flower and vase, a gold locket, a bouquet and chocolates.

The 90-year-old, who lives with daughter Margaret, 64, son-in-law Harry and white poodle Cassie, said: “While we were eating the meal, presents just kept coming one after the other then even more came.

“It was wonderful, I felt like the Queen and I was overwhelmed everybody made such a big effort for me.

“I love my job because I like speaking to people and getting to know them.”

Boss John Whiteside, 48, of Banks, who owns Yellow Top Taxis praised Alice as an employee.

He said: “She’s absolutely great and work keeps her young. She’s really old school when it comes to time-keeping, punctuality, and attendance.

“She comes in no matter what, even if she’s not up to it. I have to convince her to take time off.

“She really enjoyed the evening and when we gave her all the gifts, she was welling up.”

Since plumber and electrician husband Tom died 27 years ago, grandma-of-three Alice fills her time with travelling, shopping and reading romance novels.

She said: “Although I’m a bit boring now, I’ve been all over the world including Cyprus, Crete, and America.

“I like to go shopping in town with my daughter Margaret, see my family including my 17-month-old great-granddaughter, Ruby, and read.